I found this a good novella Christmas story that touches on a little bit of it all....from 'grief, trials and tribulations of a single parent, finding a love connection, moving to a new state, with secrets, physical violence, name calling, lack of understanding, healing, redemption' and it did have some heart warming moments. This author gives the reader a wonderful story that was even humorous at times, with touching moments with interesting characters from [Maddie, Cameron (Cam}, Caleb McLendon, Sam and Kristin Conacher] to name a few that will definitely keep your attention all the way through this beautiful description of Christmas Montana story. Be ready for a long story of this well blended family where the reader will be able to read about this 'dual love story of two different generations' with the best of it all ... it all happens around the Christmas holiday. All that is left to say is that this was really a fantastic story of families and their relationships in how this author brings it all together so well after all is said and done.

One glance. That's all it takes. Wealthy rancher Ryan Kendrick falls hard and fast for lovely Bethany Coulter. A beguiling mix of sass and shyness, naiveté and maturity, she shares his passion for horses, has a great sense of humor, and can light up a room with her beautiful smile. She's absolutely perfect--in every way but one...

A long-ago barrel-racing accident has left Bethany confined to a wheelchair. In the years since, she has known both betrayal and heartbreak--and vowed never to open her heart to a man again. She has even accepted the possibility that she'll never be able to enjoy a healthy intimate relationship--or have children of her own. But there's something about handsome Ryan Kendrick. Something that makes her believe she can overcome every obstacle. Something that makes her believe in lifelong, lasting love...

After a career on the rodeo circuit, Ben Sterling longs to settle down on his farm and start a family like his brothers. He’s searched all over for the woman of his dreams. Yet the only one to spark his interest is the new owner of the local café. Getting her attention, however, won’t be easy.

Sissy Sue Bentley has worked hard to make it on her own, and she doesn’t need another man in her life. From her alcoholic father to the men she’s dated, who were after only one thing, they are nothing but trouble.

Except Ben keeps showing up whenever she really needs help. Sissy struggles to deny her growing feelings for him—but soon Ben’s tender concern has her hoping for a happier future. Then her past comes barreling back into her life, and it will take more than the love in Ben’s heart to hold them together.

I had a hard time deciding between three or four stars which frustrates me because I was anticipating this installment so much.

However it was mostly a character flaw that prevented me from voting it up to four.

Sissy lived up to her name too often too much. Sissy was ridiculous, Sissy was childish, unstable, insecure and more. That kind of personality doesn't mesh well with what I look for in a female lead in a story like this. At the same time I really liked Ben.

Yet I wanted to shake him and tell him to drop Sissy but he was king and kept with it - which is admirable considering how determined he is.

There was plenty of good interactions and funny scenes that made me laugh I just didn't care for Sissy as a person, I didn't like Sissy and Ben as a couple and that bogged down how I felt about this book.

Mulberry Moon - Catherine Anderson
Well it looks as though I am going to be one of the very few not as enamored of this book as all the others. I know that Ms Anderson writes some very sweet romances (I adored her book [book:Blue Skies|89354] to the point that I've worn the backing away).

But this book just made the heroine Sissy into a very childlike (and for me unrealistic and nearly unlikable creature -come on? A Pack Rat???) and Ben into a 'prince charming'; again unrealistic outside of a Christian romance. I understand that Sissy was abused to some point (and you will find that point near the ending of the book), it was hinted at all though out the book. I also understand that Ben does not want to hook up to any woman that doesn't share his likes and dislikes. I found this to be unrealistic and a bit on the cruel side - he wanted his women to adore his animals; ALL of his animals as much as he did and he wouldn't settle for anyone who merely liked them - with him it was all or nothing. I do NOT like characters that give ultimatums -on either side. This is what I felt Ben to be doing with his other relationships.

This book felt to me as if it had been hurriedly written with a lot of thinking about sex and once you get to the act it was like a deflated balloon -disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I don't like or dislike sex in books- this just seemed to be especially poorly written and not engaging at all.

Had I read about Ben's chest just one more time - I would have tossed my Kindle out of the window.

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